By Leia Jobe/reporter2@trcle.com
Johnson County is under a burn ban. The Johnson County Commissioners Court voted to implement the ban Tuesday in a special-called meeting.
The ban prohibits most outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county.
Residents can still burn household garbage, but the barrel used must have an approved cover over it, Johnson County Emergency Management Coordinator Gerald Mohr said.
The burn ban comes after a dry fall and early winter, said Cleburne Fire Department Assistant Chief Keith Scarbrough. It will be in effect until at least April 14.
“All the local fire departments have been running multi-calls every weekend,” Mohr said. “Since Jan. 1, Alvarado has had eight fires, Joshua has had six, Rio Vista has had five, Bono has had five, and Bono also gave mutual aid on two other fires.”
County Judge Roger Harmon and the four commissioners urged residents to be aware of the danger and closely monitor their surroundings for fire hazards.
“The biggest thing people can do now to prevent fires is just to mow,” Scarbrough said. “Mow around the house, mow around abandoned cars, keep your yard mowed. That’s the biggest thing.”
Mohr also recommends leaving a water hose in the front yard that neighbors could use in the case of a fire.
“Even if that hose freezes, it’s better to leave it out in case there’s a fire [and] someone can use it,” he said.
Officials also urge residents to take care while burning their household garbage.
“Use your common sense,” Mohr said. “Watch it as it’s burning, burn in the morning when it’s high humidity and don’t burn on windy days.”
